O-Comp Quick Reference
Controls, presets, and tips at a glance
Parameters
Detection
- Threshold: -60 to 0 dB — level where compression begins
- Ratio: 1:1 to 20:1 — amount of compression applied
Timing
- Attack: 0.1-100 ms — response time to transients
- Release: 10-1000 ms — recovery time after compression
Character
- Knee: 0-20 dB — soft knee width (0=hard, higher=softer)
Output
- Output Gain: -12 to +24 dB — make-up gain
- Auto-Gain: On/Off — automatic make-up gain calculation
Visual Guide
- Transfer Curve: Shows compression curve shape based on Threshold, Ratio, and Knee
- LED Meters: Input and output level monitoring
- GR Display: Real-time gain reduction meter (aim for 3-6 dB for natural compression)
- Envelope Display: Visualizes detector envelope tracking
Parameter Ranges Guide
| Parameter | Subtle | Moderate | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratio | 1:1 to 2:1 | 3:1 to 6:1 | 8:1 to 20:1 |
| Attack | 30-100 ms | 5-30 ms | 0.1-5 ms |
| Release | 200-1000 ms | 50-200 ms | 10-50 ms |
| Knee | 10-20 dB | 6-10 dB | 0-3 dB |
Factory Presets
| Preset | Description |
|---|---|
| Gentle Glue | Subtle bus compression — adds cohesion without obvious effect |
| Vocal Smooth | Natural vocal dynamics control — transparent and smooth |
| Drum Punch | Fast attack/release for drums — controls peaks, adds energy |
| Bass Control | Tame bass dynamics — consistent low-end without killing attack |
| Mastering Touch | Light master bus glue — gentle final touch |
| Aggressive Smash | Heavy compression for parallel blending or special effects |
| Natural Dynamics | Transparent control preserving natural feel |
| Parallel Crush | Extreme settings for New York-style parallel compression |
System Requirements
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| macOS | macOS 10.13+ (Intel & Apple Silicon) |
| Windows | Windows 10+ (64-bit) |
| RAM | 4 GB min / 8 GB recommended |
| Formats | VST3, AU |
| Design | Feed-forward, zero-latency, stereo-linked |
Troubleshooting
No compression / no gain reduction?
→ Lower Threshold below signal peaks. Increase Ratio. Check GR meter shows activity.
Pumping or breathing artifacts?
→ Increase Release time. Reduce Ratio. Raise Threshold. Soften Knee.
Too squashed / lifeless?
→ Raise Threshold. Lower Ratio (try 2:1 or 3:1). Increase Attack time. Soften Knee.
Output too quiet?
→ Enable Auto-Gain or manually raise Output Gain to match input level.